Cherry Creek , CO Custody Lawyers
Navigating custody disputes can be emotionally challenging, but with the right legal guidance – such as from our experienced Cherry Creek custody lawyers at New Leaf Family – parents can work toward custody solutions that prioritize their children’s well-being while addressing unique family dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
- The state uses the terms “parenting time” and “decision-making” instead of “custody,” focusing on how parents share physical time and make significant decisions for their children.
- Custody cases can be resolved through mediation if parents cooperate, but unresolved or high-conflict cases are decided by a judge with the “best interests of the child” as the guiding standard.
- New Leaf Family offers predictable flat-rate billing, conflict-minimizing strategies, and comprehensive support to help parents secure favorable custody arrangements without unnecessary drama or financial surprises.
Navigating a custody dispute can feel overwhelming and deeply emotional, especially when your child’s future is at stake. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of fear, frustration, and uncertainty during this time. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are resources and professionals who can help guide you toward the best outcome for your family – including our team here at New Leaf Family.
Our dedicated Cherry Creek custody lawyers have decades of collective experience with Colorado custody cases and the family court system. We’re passionate about supporting parents through some of their most difficult transitions and helping them seek a path forward that protects the well-being of children and aligns with the unique needs of each individual family.
Whether you and your former spouse cannot reach a custody agreement in your divorce, or you have been divorced for years and have a co-parent that doesn’t respect your custody arrangement, we’re here for you.

Call today to book your free case evaluation and speak to a member of our team about your situation.
Colorado Custody Basics
There are a few basic things that will be important for you to know as our Cherry Creek custody lawyers work with you to strategize the best path forward for you and your kids.
Physical custody vs. Legal custody –
The state of Colorado is actually moving away from the term “custody”; instead, the terms “parenting time” and “decision-making” refer to physical custody and legal custody, respectively. Parenting time typically dictates who the children live with the majority of the time and how frequently they see the other parent, while decision-making outlines how parents share the authority and responsibility of making decisions about important aspects of their children’s lives, like their education, healthcare, religious upbringing, etc.
Contested vs. Uncontested –
The level of agreement between you and your co-parent will often determine if your custody case is contested or uncontested, whether you are going through divorce or seeking a modification to the current custody arrangement. If you and your spouse are able to work together to reach an agreement that suits your family’s dynamic – through mediation, for example – then your case is uncontested.
However, if you are not able to reach an agreement, or if litigation is the safest option (because of existing conflict, a power imbalance, or a possible history of abuse or violence) then your contested custody case will be determined by a judge in family court. No matter how your case plays out, you can trust that our Cherry Creek custody lawyers will advocate for the safety and stability of your kids at every opportunity.
“Best Interests of the Child” Standard –
This is the standard by which Colorado family court judges make decisions regarding custody (if your case has to go to court). Typically, joint parenting time and decision-making are what’s understood to be in the “best interests” of a child; however, this standard takes into account several factors, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- The child’s adjustment to home and school
- Any history of abuse or neglect
- The child’s preference (depending on their age and maturity level)
- And more.
Why Choose Our Cherry Creek Custody Lawyers
New Leaf Family stands out in several ways:
- We provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation to help you get to know us and decide if we’re the right fit for your family.
- Our comprehensive services, including educational seminars and coaching sessions, are designed to support our clients in building a brighter future after their legal matters are resolved
- While some firms encourage court battles (because that’s how they drag out your case to make more money), our Cherry Creek custody lawyers are dedicated to putting the needs of you and your kids at the center of everything we do
- With our predictable, flat-rate monthly billing, you’ll never have to worry about unexpected fees or financial surprises
- We strive to minimize conflict and drama, especially for the sake of your kids, but we’re not afraid to put in the hard work necessary to protect their wellbeing and secure a favorable custody arrangement
Let’s take the next steps together. Call today to book your free case evaluation!
Is it hard to get sole custody in Colorado?
Sole custody is rare in Colorado, as the courts generally believe joint custody is in the kids’ best interests. However, if there are serious allegations – like a history of violence or abuse, or a substance dependency issue – or the other parent is clearly not able to provide stability for the kids, sole custody is a much more likely outcome.
Does custody determine child support?
Somewhat, yes. The Colorado Child Support Guidelines use a formula based on what two parents would have spent on their child had they not separated. The following factors are typically taken into consideration when child support is calculated:
- Gross income (before taxes) of both parents
- The child’s income (if any)
- Number of overnights the child spends with each parent
- Expenses, including health insurance and daycare
In addition, child support orders take into account financial support for children the parent may have with another partner, as well as any alimony that may be due or received.
Are custody agreements and parenting plans the same thing?
No. While custody matters are definitely included in a parenting plan, the actual document is much more extensive and covers other topics, such as communication, holidays schedules, the kids’ insurance coverage, and more. Our Cherry Creek custody lawyers can help you draft a detailed parenting plan that helps minimize future disagreements and conflict between you and your co-parent.
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